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Posted

Hello,

 

I recently had the Hunter folks in to give me a demo on the Revolution Tire Machine, Road Force Balancer, and the HawkEye Alignment Machine).

 

We are a five bay three man shop.

 

We have a Hunter Alignment Machine that works but it is an older unit. We have two old coats machines for tires and balancing.

 

I would love to replace all of this with the newest equipment but as all of you know the cost is very high.

 

I was wondering if anyone is willing to share their experience with making a large purchase like this as a package deal. Also, did you finance it, do a lease program or buy it with cash? Was it worth it? Are you happy with the equipment? In hindsight would you be willing to try another less expensive brand (i.e. Coats Leverless Tire Machine or Atlas Cyclops Alignment)?

 

Any guidance is greatly appreciated.

 

Sincerely,

 

DG

Posted

Thanks for the responses.

 

I feel like the update to the alignment machine is a no brainer.

 

If it isn't too much to ask...are you going to finance, lease or pay cash?

 

Thanks again.

 

DG

Posted
  On 10/25/2014 at 1:34 AM, xrac said:

I committed to buy the Hawkeye System (no rack) this week. $25k with trade. I could have had the John Bean for half that. I purchased Hunter because it is faster and because service is available usually same day. John Bean service is very sketchy for our area.

 

 

I'd really love to have the new hawkeye sys with rack and in ground but I can't justify the costs at this time. One can still dream though lol

  • 4 weeks later...
Posted

We have a hawk eye elite and we absolutely love it for about 3 years now. Road force balancer is also awesome and we have it over 3.5 years but as far as the tire machine I don't think its worth the money they are asking. Especially looking at it and seeing how many things can go wrong. When I was researching a tire machine I settled on a corghi 500. It's a great machine, simple enough to operate and repair if needed. Had it for 6 month now and no complains at all. It does everything we throw at it with ease.

Posted

Thanks for the replies.

 

I decided to go ahead with all 3 pieces of equipment. I am still in negotiations with the sale rep. We have a 5 bay shop and wish to have the alignment rack moved from the 3rd bay to the 1st bay because it is much deeper and the rack in the 1st bay moved to the 3rd bay.

 

As long as they will deal with that with the prices quotes I received, I will move forward.

 

The Hunter rack specialist stopped by and recommended I replace the cables during the moves. This will cost approximately, $1,000. I feel this is probable a good idea given the rack is 6 years old.

 

I will post pictures when it is complete. I hope to have it all done before the first of the year.

 

Sincerely,

DG

 

 

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         0 comments
      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.
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